In this fast-moving modern world, many people still prefer to stay within the comfort of their homes. In fact, it is common for people to opt for a cost homestay instead of participating in social gatherings. However, when staying at home becomes a consistent pattern and starts affecting one’s physical and mental well-being, it can be a cause for concern. In this article, we’ll explore if being a homebody is an indicator of depression.
Understanding The Term ‘Homebody’
Simply put, a homebody is generally a person who prefers to or enjoys spending a significant amount of their time at home instead of going for a social gathering or an outdoor activity. For some people, being at home may be a matter of personal choice, but sometimes personality traits such as being introverted can also encourage people to stay at home. Being a homebody isn’t necessarily bad or negative, as it can come with a lot of advantages, such as more time to spend on hobbies, more time for self-reflection, etc. However, if someone’s urge to stay at home makes it difficult for them to leave the house altogether, then it might be a cause for concern.
Understanding Depression:
Depression is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Other symptoms of depression include difficulty in concentration, increased irritability or sudden changes in appetite.
Being a homebody doesn’t automatically mean that someone is depressed, one must look at other signs to identify if someone might be suffering from depression. They are:
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Social Withdrawal
One of the key indicators of depression is a withdrawal from social interactions. When someone starts avoiding their family, friends or other social activities to choose to stay at home, it might be an indicator of an underlying issue. Social withdrawal might also be seen in the form of avoiding calls. If an outgoing person suddenly starts staying at home, it can be a sign of depression as well.
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Loss of Interest
As mentioned before, a homebody might enjoy spending time on their own hobbies or homely activities, However, if someone starts experiencing a lack of interest in the activities that they previously enjoyed or a sudden decline in their interest at work, it might be a sign of depression.
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Changes in Sleep Pattern
Depression is likely to disrupt one’s sleeping patterns. Thus, if someone is experiencing significant changes in their sleep routine while at home, it might be an indicator of depression. Sleep changes in depression can manifest in the form of sudden lack of sleep or sudden oversleeping.
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Loss of Energy
Persistent lack of energy, tiredness or fatigue is a common symptom of depression. If a homebody starts experiencing a lack of motivation or energy to engage in activities both outside. and inside the house, it may be a sign of depression.
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Substance Abuse
It is common for people to use alcohol on a few occasions. However, if a homebody starts drinking excessively, it might be a sign of depression.
Conclusion:
Reduced social contact can be an indicator of depression, but someone who prefers to stay at home may not always be depressed. People may choose to stay at home just as a personal preference, However, if staying at home is accompanied by other signs such as changes in sleeping patterns, low energy levels, and a lack of interest in activities, it is crucial to approach a trained mental health professional for the right diagnosis and treatment.
References:
- Are you A homebody? (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2024, from https://www.greenlamindustries.com/blog/are-you-a-homebody/
- Dong, Y., Yin, M., Zhang, Q., & Chen, T. (2018). A Study on the Situation and Behavioral Characteristics of “Homebody” of Undergraduates. 1084–1088. https://doi.org/10.2991/iccese-18.2018.242
- How to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2024, from https://psychedelic.support/resources/hidden-depression/
- Kelly. (2016, May 18). Ask the Counsellors: Depressed because I want to stay at home? Aspire Too. https://aspiretoo.ca/ask-the-counsellors-depressed-because-i-want-to-stay-at-home/
- Soong, J. (n.d.). Depression Traps: Social Withdrawal, Rumination, and More. WebMD. Retrieved March 7, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/depression-traps-and-pitfalls
